MPs' expenses: Douglas Alexander's response

In a statement, Mr Alexander said: “The claims reflect the costs incurred in
maintaining a second home used in undertaking work as a Member of
Parliament. Claims were made in line with the guidance provided by the House
of Commons fees office.

Douglas Alexander, the shadow foreign secretaryPhoto: PA

By Rosa Prince

6:00AM BST 08 May 2009

“Following the fire which rendered my home uninhabitable and destroyed contents that included bedding, furnishings and electrical items, I sought the advice of the House of Commons fees office to obtain their guidance as to what it was appropriate to claim in these circumstances, given my continuing need for accommodation to allow me to undertake my work as an MP. They offered written advice confirming that while staying in temporary accommodation (the rental of which was met by an insurance company and for which no claim was made) other costs could be claimed in line with the normal rules.

“When settlement was concluded with the insurance company, I contacted the fees office and made a payment reflecting the claim for replacement items, which I had previously been advised by the House of Commons fees office were appropriate to claim.

“I sought the written advice and authorisation of the fees office before making a claim in relation to the replacement of doors and windows. I provided the fees office with advice provided to me by a surveyor that the condition of the previous doors was so deteriorated as to constitute a security risk to the property. In response, the fees office provided written approval to me ahead of the claim being made. I sought the written advice and authorisation of the fees office before making the claims in relation to the replacement of windows. I provided the fees office with information on the deterioration of the windows which had led to repeated water ingress into the property. In response, the fees office provided written approval to me ahead of the claims being made.

“I am unaware of any continuing police investigation into the fire at my home in 2007.”